Merc set to make compact mark

The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Edition 1 has some impressive specifications.

CLA claimed world's most aerodynamic production vehicle

The first all-new Mercedes-Benz model in years, the sleek and sexy CLA, will start from well below the $70,000 mark when it arrives here in October.

There will be three variants, kicking off with the CLA 200 at $65,900, mid-spec CLA 250 Sport starting at $77,900, while the range-topping CLA 45 AMG will start at $107,900 (plus on-roads).

Claimed to be the world's most aerodynamic production vehicle, Mercedes-Benz says this will create a new genre in the compact segment.

The CLA 200 produces a maximum output of 115kW and 250Nm of torque from the 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, returning a claimed combined fuel consumption of 5.7L/100km (combined).

Standard features include satnav, 18-inch alloys, a reversing camera, bi-Xenon headlamps, active park assist, nine airbags, blind spot and collision warnings, synthetic leather sports seats, multimedia screen, illuminated door sills and climate control air con.

The sporty CLA 250 Sport utilises a 2-litre four-cylinder direct injection turbocharged engine to produce 155kW and 350Nm of torque. It gains AMG styling, diamond grille, Intelligent Light System, AMG wheels, sports pedals, AMG tuned suspension and sports steering wheel.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG delivers an almost unbelievable maximum output of 265kW and up to 450Nm of torque. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine in combination with the all-wheel drive system, enables it to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds, while its top speed is governed to 270 km/h.

"The new CLA-Class seamlessly transfers the expressive avant-garde coupé design into series production," said Horst von Sanden, managing director Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific.